Eye-Openers: ‘But a bar is where life happens.’

Please read Joe Garofoli’s Sunday profile of Oakland’s Saru Jayaraman, who is emerging as one of the nation’s top activists for restaurant workers:

One in 5 private sector workers is involved with producing or delivering food, making it the nation’s fastest-growing industry. Yet 7 of the 10 lowest-paying jobs in America fall somewhere along the food industry chain …

“The food system now isn’t a bad employer – it is the worst employer. The absolutely worst employer in the United States,” Jayaraman said. “The food we eat creates the worst jobs in America.”

A video series named Dirty Old Bar profiles Clooney’s — during the 6 a.m. shift. [Youtube via Uptown Almanac]

After seven-plus years, the Examiner’s “Meet Your Mixologist” column is coming to a close: “Some admire my job of getting to know The City in such an intimate way. Others smirk at the idea of writing about booze, thinking bars are just places to get wasted. But a bar is where life happens.” [SF Examiner]

A review of Stones Throw in Russian Hill: “Stones Throw has all the trappings of a good date spot. There’s nothing distracting or offensive about it, especially the food.” [SF Examiner]

From the national scene:

What happens when a food writer can’t taste? An extraordinary, personal essay by Marlena Spieler. [New York Times]

Ken Friedman explains why his restaurants don’t usually take reservations: “To a restaurant owner, quiet is death … Because it means people are having a good time and spending money and they’ll want to come back. How do you achieve this? With a busy bar scene.” [Food & Wine]